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Patent leather is the most carefree leather there is: A brisk swish with a lint-free cloth is all most patent items will ever need, while minor scuffs can usually be removed with a cotton swab dipped in mineral oil—or with a brisk hit from a gum eraser.

Erased half of it with her almost-nub-like gum eraser.

When she makes a mistake, she scrubs at it with a gum eraser, delicately blowing the leavings from the page, as though she were wishing on a dandelion.

If barely soiled, try an art gum eraser from an art-supply store.

Some leather buffs use an art gum eraser on stains, while others maintain that leather should be permitted, like a fine old wine, to mellow, undisturbed.